What's It Really Like To Be OTR?

Also add the part about a lot of farting into empty cans of bean dip for the heck of it

 

Sounds about right. Just now figuring this out? Local might be best. Might have to do road work to get 6 mo.-1 yr. Then Local. Not impossible to find Local right away. You’ll find out soon enough. OTR is an adjustment. Some never adjust. They hate it.

 

Yeah. Im not seeing the problem. Youre currently in school for a job that is poorly suited to 99 % of the population, you got the huevos for it or not? Its fine if you dont actually want to put in the effort, most people dont

 

SHHHHH! You are not speak of that until they are working, speak the lingo and have secret handshake master

 

The thing about trucking, not everyone can handle driving that big of a vehicle. Some of these 3-4 month classes you still have a few that just don't have it in them. The spacial awareness, mechanical aptitude, and attention span required to hit the road and not tear stuff up is just something that doesnt happen for some folks.

Add that to the lifestyle of OTR and its a meat grinder, it isnt a surprise at all that most of the "beginner" companies have 90% turnover per year.

 

WELCOME TO TTR!!

Your description is but a twinge in the Transportation world.
Trucking is so diverse it's near impossible to "predict" what ANY DAY/NIGHT could or can be.
go to CDLLife | The World’s Largest Truck Driving Community for an idea of what Trucking has become.
It does NOT represent the Entirety of Trucking.

Only 3 things to know in Freight movements:
EARLY is ON TIME.
On Time is LATE.
LATE means WAIT or reschedule.

If you don't believe Trucking will be a good fit for you, then GET OUT BEFORE SIGNING ANY (LOAN) PAPERWORK and/or SIGNING ONTO A COMPANY.
Team driving is one drives, one sleeps, over and over, from 2 - 3+ weeks then some short 2-3 days home time to gather some more items.
Some companies have the Trainer and Trainee awake at the same time.

It's a tough rough gig and I'm not sprinkling sweetness and roses.

There are however, MANY other styles/avenues in Trucking. It's mainly based on OTR 2-3-? weeks out, then 2-3-? days home. Then back into it.
Used to be out 7 days for one day home. Add it up for 365 Days.

Then there's all the ELECTRONIC JUNK that will distract you.
Company might have straight drive (shift) Or automatic.
Shift is BEST.

Might be best to get on at an LTL company working the Dock then moving up to Trucks. At least that would be a "home everyday/night" gig and if'n you no liked it, no problem.

There are countless others here at TTR that can assist your query.
Your LIFE. Your Choice.

CHEERS!!​

 

Sounds as if you have never had a tough job. You might want to stay away from any delivery job where you have to fingerprint your load, local, regional or OTR.

 

If you are OTR you will be out for several weeks at a time. You earn 1 day of home time for for every 6 days out, so one day per week.
So you will be out for 3-4 weeks to get about 3 days at home.
Since if the wheels are not turning you are not earning, expect at least one paycheck per month to be very low - or two that are somewhat low.
The more often you take home time, the more your pay will suffer.

Your meal situation is really up to you.
If you cook your own food on the truck you can keep a healthy diet. Buying food at truck stops is the substandard way to go.

All of everything comes down to your company and what they expect of you, and how good you are at trip planning and choosing the right loads to take.

 

I prefer OTR, but it's not for everyone.
Where is your location; state & nearest city/town.
Let us know and maybe there's some local/regional jobs for drivers there.
~
I tried local and learned what it's like to die and go to purgatory.